Acer rubrum 'GHERI RED' scarlet maple
size/type
medium-sized tree,medium-sized tree
usual height
9-15m
usual width
5-7m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
insignificant or non-blooming
location
full to partial sun
soil type
acidic (peaty) to neutral
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist (dislikes drought)
USDA zone (lowest)
3 (down to -40°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Scarlet maple is one of the most spectacular, deciduous, big-sized trees suitable for large gardens, parks or city avenues. However, modern varieties and selections are smaller in size so you can grow it in mid-sized gardens or even small front yards if you control its size by pruning.
Description of the plant:
Gheri Red is an Italian selection of gained from amongst other varieties of scarlet maple. It has mid-sized leaves that are rich green in summer, changing to stunning shades of red early in the autumn. The green leaves turn a little bit of golden yellow and then begin a show of scarlet red, carmine red and deep burgundy red. Young twigs and stalks are bright to deep red all season long. These trees are reproduced by grafting to avoid changes or lack of autumn colouring. Gheri Red maple forms a neat crown shape that is somewhat globular even as a young tree. It grows medium fast (or medium slow), not as fast as for example Autumn Blaze maple which is another popular sort for autumn colours. Still, if you wish to keep it smaller or want to shape the crown you can do so by late winter pruning or summer trimming.
Scarlet maple will grow in almost any soil, it also withstands wet feet. However, if you are looking for a strong and healthy tree with superb autumn colours grow it in acid soil (add peat) that is evenly moist throughout the year (mulch it well with bark), in full sun. It is wind and air-pollution tolerant. Stake young and freshly transplanted trees to a support for the first 3 years to make sure they get well established and have straight trunks. Fully hardy to -40°C (USDA zone 3).
Last update 17-11-2011
